Friday, December 31, 2010

I know I'm not the only one sitting at their computer asking "Where did the year go?" Yep... another one has passed us by. Have you accomplished everything that you had on your 2010 "To Do " list? Have you learned a new technique this year? have you fallen in love with something that you've created? I thought that I would share with you one of my favorite pieces that I made this year. Using various pieces of my hand dyed laces and silk ribbons, I set out to make an invitation to a Fancy Formal Tea Party.

Last summer I hosted a CQ Tea Cup Challenge to the ladies on the HGTV Quilting forum. Each lady was given a 4" teacup panel (not all the same color teacup), a few pieces of lace, fabric and a couple charms that they were to incorporate into a 12.5" block. To say that the work was outstanding, incredible and just plain awesome is understating the fact. Every block was beautiful. If you would like to see all the Challenge blocks, please check them out in my Flicker Album : Tea Cup Challenge

My entry for the Tea Cup Challenge was a bit out of the norm for me. I decided instead of making a block in my usual "blue", I would try and throw the girls off by making a peachy/pink and green block. To my amazement I have fallen in love with this color combination and have since made quite a few other blocks using the same colors.

While searching for the right laces to use in my block, I found a piece that to me, looked exactly like a hat - decked it out with a pretty crocheted flower and beads and it worked perfectly. My friend Julie sent me some pretty dangley lace that was just the right touch to dress up the teacup.Outlining the teacup in gold metallic thread was no easy task - when will they make a metallic thread that glides? LOL!

My very favorite lace find was a pretty piece of white net net. At first it looked like a hand mirror but then I turned it upside down only to see that it made for the PERFECT dressy dress for my party. I found a cute little hanger in the scrap booking section of Michaels, dyed the dress and silk ribbon to match the flow o the block, added some tiny little seed beads and I was ready to partee!

lastly, when I receive a good bag full of pretty CQ goodies from my friend Karen, I knew immediately that the portion of the vintage tablecloth she sent would be great if I cut the center portion of it out... it revealed the perfect vintagey looking frame for this pretty lade. Because I thought the block already had a bit too much bling, bling, I decide to leave all but one corner of the frame naked, I loved making this block and hope to make it into a pillow before another year has passed.

Happy new Year everyone! May 2011 bring you lots of hope, happiness and good health.

Monday, December 13, 2010

I woke up this morning with butterflies in my stomach wondering why? Well every year on this day it happens... the mother in me sits back and dreams of years gone by and wonders "where did the years go?" Today, December 13, 2010 is my son Erik's 40th Birthday!!!! Happy Birthday Griskie !!!

Who is this cute little boy holding a fire cracker? He's all grown up now and a true Fire Cracker in every sense of the word. Funny, wild, smart, and mind of his own, would give you his last penny, handsome and just a bit crazy like his mom. I just realized something... you loved the beach as a little boy and now you live in Maui... must have been your fate.

What a cutie with your long hippie hair ... always looking out for your mom

Ok... so I wasn't the best at given haircuts in those days but.... I sure know how to use a pair of scissors now! This is one of my favorite pictures of you and your little brother Jason. If Santa could bring me one present this year. I'd wish for just one more day with you and Jason as little boys again.... I miss those days.

All grown up - Erik, you'll never know how much all you did for me on my special day meant to both Rob and I. I love you more than words can say and miss you more! Happy 40th Birthday my #1 baby, I wish you love and much happiness in the next 40 years. Always remember.... your mommy loves you.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Do you just love "pretty"?!!! Rebecca of Rebecca-Gatheryeroses is having a Christmas Give Away on December 17th. She has created, in cross stitch, a beautiful Merry Christmas pillow just in time to decorate your home. Check her blog out to enter this fabulous Give Away and while you're at it, if you've never visited her blog before, grab a cup of tea and sit down for an hour, or two, or three and be prepared for some beautiful eye candy!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Last summer I got to chatting with Suz suztats and we immediately struck up a friendship. Do you ever wonder how many friends you've made over not just a cup of coffee but via a thread and needle? Well Suz and I decided that we would love to have a one on one swap of CQ blocks.

I posted about the summer block I sent her over the summer but forgot to ever post pictures of the one she sent me. My pictures are out of order here so I am actually beginning with the beautiful Blue Christmas CQ block she just sent me. Isn't it gorgeous! I can't believe all the little Christmas presents under the tree and how she created such an awesome tree out of lace and stitches.... oh and look at the star on top! Thank you Suz - I adore it!

I just love my summer block that Suz made me. We both sent a naked block to each other and chose the theme "things that fly" Suz did such beautiful work on this block with tons and tons of little swirly flowers - still not sure what stitch it is called - looks like lots of tatting with butterflies and a dragonfly and some cute little bees..

Look at these beautiful flower clusters!

and isn't this the prettiest pink cluster?

Thank you Suz - love all the pretty little goodies you tatted up for me too. We will certainly have to do another one of our swaps in 2011.